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Market Research Secret Shopper Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY · On-site

$50 - $70/hr

As a Consumer & Market Insight Analyst, you will support the EMEA Insights team in understanding consumers, shoppers and markets for our brands. You will learn how consumer research informs brand ...

New

Director, Insights

Miami, FL · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Analyze consumer, shopper, market, and competitive insights to uncover actionable opportunities ... Manage external research agencies and vendor partners, ensuring high‑quality execution, efficient ...

... shopping. Join us in the office for catered lunch on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays or grab a ... Morning Consult is looking to hire a market research professional and team leader to join our ...

... on shopper behavior - this Director owns that agenda for Shopper Insights. You'll run the team ... End-to-End CPG/Retail Research Experience: * 7+ years of end-to-end consumer insights or market ...

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Market Research Secret Shopper information

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$38K

$113.8K

$192K

How much do market research secret shopper jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for market research secret shopper in the United States is $113,783.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,500.00 and $139,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a market research secret shopper?

Market Research Secret Shoppers are individuals hired by companies or market research firms to evaluate the quality of customer service and overall experience at businesses, such as retail stores, restaurants, or service providers. They pose as regular customers while observing, interacting with staff, and sometimes making purchases. After their visit, secret shoppers complete detailed reports or surveys about their experience, which helps companies identify strengths and areas for improvement. This role requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain discreet and objective.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a market research secret shopper?

To thrive as a Market Research Secret Shopper, you need keen observation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to objectively evaluate products, services, or customer experiences, usually supported by basic education and sometimes prior retail or customer service experience. Familiarity with reporting tools, smartphone apps for data collection, and online survey platforms is typically required. Strong written communication, discretion, and time management set top performers apart in this role. These skills are crucial for providing accurate, unbiased feedback that helps organizations improve service quality and customer satisfaction.

How does a market research secret shopper typically report their findings after a shop visit?

After completing a shop visit, Market Research Secret Shoppers are usually required to fill out detailed surveys or reports documenting their experiences. These reports may include objective observations, ratings on service and cleanliness, and sometimes photographs or receipts as proof of visit. Timely and accurate reporting is essential, as it directly impacts the quality of insights provided to clients. Most companies use online platforms or mobile apps for efficient submission and tracking of assignments.

What is the difference between Market Research Secret Shopper vs Market Research Interviewer?

AspectMarket Research Secret ShopperMarket Research Interviewer
CredentialsNone specific, training often providedTypically requires basic research or survey experience
Work EnvironmentIn-store visits, evaluating customer serviceConducting interviews, surveys, or focus groups
Employer & IndustryMarket research firms, retail, hospitalityMarket research firms, client companies
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding mystery shopping rolesUnderstanding interview-based research roles

Market Research Secret Shoppers focus on evaluating customer experiences through in-store visits, while Market Research Interviewers gather data via interviews and surveys. Both roles are essential in market research but differ in methods and work settings.

Do market research secret shoppers really make money?

Market research secret shoppers can earn money by evaluating businesses and providing feedback, typically paying per assignment or survey. Earnings vary based on the company, the complexity of the task, and the time required, but most secret shopper jobs offer modest pay rather than a full-time income.

What job categories do people searching Market Research Secret Shopper jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Market Research Secret Shopper jobs are:

Infographic showing various Market Research Secret Shopper job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,783 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Student Assistant - Youth Secret Shopper (Age 16-17)

University Enterprises, Inc.

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Description
The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at Sacramento State is seeking to hire eight student assistants to work with our research team on the Young Adult Tobacco Purchase Survey Project (YATPS). The project's purpose is to assess the rate of tobacco sales to individuals under the age of 21 in California.
The role of the Secret Shopper is to attempt to purchase traditional or electronic tobacco products from retail locations while their research partner records the results and drives between retail sites. Research teams will travel over weekends only. All training and travel time are paid for. Travel expenses paid for. Flexible scheduling to accommodate your schooling and extracurricular activities. This study is for research purposes only and is being conducted by ISR on behalf of California Department of Public Health. Retailers are not penalized or policed as a result of being part of the study.
You must be 16 to 17 years old to apply for this position.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
This is a part-time, temporary, non-benefited, student position. Employment in all positions with University Enterprises, Inc. is dependent upon the mutual consent of University Enterprises, Inc. and the employee. This means that either University Enterprises, Inc. or the employee can, at any time, terminate the employment relationship at will, with or without cause.
UEI does not allow employees to hold more than one UEI Job at a time, or work in more than one college or center per pay period. UEI employees who are considering leaving their current UEI position for a different UEI posting should inform their supervisor in writing and provide at least a week's notice.
Depending on the type of position you are applying for, a pre-employment background check consisting of one or more of the following may be conducted: employment history, professional references, criminal check: educational verification (i.e., degree, license, or official transcript), DMV clearance. Applicants will be required to pass required pre-employment checks to the satisfaction of University Enterprises, Inc. (UEI) and the hiring Agency or Department.
Prerequisites
  • Must be age 16 to 17.
  • Must be able to obtain parent/guardian permission to participate in the project.
  • Must be able to obtain valid work permit through your school.

Majors/Fields of Study
All majors welcome.
Work Schedule
Flexible workdays and work hours. The final work schedule will be determined by the supervisor. Work takes place primarily on weekends during normal business hours (approximately 8AM to 5PM).
Additional Work Schedule
Student Assistant and Graduate Assistant employees generally work up to 20 hours per workweek (Sunday - Saturday) during the academic year and up to 40 hours per workweek during breaks; (winter, spring & summer).
Compensation
$20.00 per hour
Minimum Qualifications
  • Must be 16 to 17 years old.
  • Must be available for periodic travel on weekends (Saturday & Sunday only during normal business hours - roughly 8AM to 5PM).
  • Must be able to travel as a passenger in a rental car to destinations within driving distance of your place of residence (no driving required).
  • Must be reliable and dependable for all scheduled travel.
  • Must be able to follow all study protocols as directed by supervisor or research partner.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Interest in research, health-related studies or youth tobacco prevention.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Conduct tobacco purchase attempts at predetermined store locations.
  • Follow project protocols and all instructions provided by your research partner.
  • Accurately recall and communicate field observations to research partner.
  • Attend debrief meetings immediately following each trip (remote options available depending on residency).
  • Punctual attendance at all project trainings and meetings.
  • Maintain accurate record of all travel expenses, purchase logs, and time worked.
  • Travel with rotating partners (adults age 30+).
  • Adhere to all safety rules and protocols when traveling.

Physical Requirements
Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment including computer workstations, telephones, calculators, copiers, printers, and scanners with or without reasonable accommodation.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in a travel environment and office environment.
Application Instructions
Please complete all fields of the employment application. Include your educational history in the "Educational Experience" section and any employment history in the "Employment Experience" section of our application.
Apply by 12/31/2026

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About University Enterprises

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As the nation’s leading university system, the CSU has pushed the boundaries of higher education for 60 years. We remain committed to delivering quality education, while fostering a culture of inclusion and understanding for our students and valued faculty and staff.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sacramento, CA, US